Analyzing The Evolution Of Animal Depiction In Indian Art

Cultural Significance: Animals in Indian art often symbolize various cultural norms and practices. They are instilled in folklore, myths, and everyday life, representing virtues like strength, loyalty, and fertility. For instance, the bull signifies power and agriculture, while the cow is revered for its nurturing characteristics.

Religious Symbolism: Indian religions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, have a deep connection with animals. Many deities are either associated with or depicted with specific animals.

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Social and Economic Context: Animals in the Indian art reflect the agrarian lifestyle and economic activities of ancient and medieval India. Depictions of cattle, elephants, and horses highlight their roles in agriculture, warfare and transport. These representations highlight the dependence on animals for livelihood and their contribution to societal development.

Artistic Expression: Animal depiction in Indian art showcases the artistic skills and creativity of different periods. From the naturalistic portrayals in Indus Valley seals to the stylized representations in medieval temples, and the intricate miniature paintings of the Mughal era, each period's art reflects its unique style and aesthetic values. Animals have also been used in art to evoke emotion and create a sense of realism.

Educational and Moral Teachings: Animals are often used in Indian art to convey moral and educational teachings or messages. Fables depicted in art, such as the Panchatantra and Jataka tales, use animals to teach moral lessons about wisdom, kindness, and justice. These stories, visually represented in temples and manuscripts, serve as educational tools for imparting ethical values.

Political and Royal Symbolism: In some cases, animals in Indian art are symbols of royalty and political power. Elephants and lions are frequently associated with kings and emperors, symbolizing strength, authority, and divine right to rule.

What is an appropriate methodology to study animal depictions in Indian art?

A multidisciplinary methodology incorporating historical research, visual analysis, comparative studies, fieldwork, expert consultations, and technological tools can offer a comprehensive understanding of animal depictions in Indian art. This approach facilitates a detailed exploration, unveiling the cultural, religious, and social aspects of these artistic expressions.

·       Historical Contextualization

Examine historical texts, religious scriptures, and ancient manuscripts to understand and comprehend the cultural and religious significance of animals in different periods. Establish a proper timeline of artistic styles and regional variations to observe the evolution of animal depictions using a chronological framework.

·       Visual Analysis

Identify and categorize animals depicted in various art forms such as sculptures, paintings, and pottery. Analyze the artistic techniques, styles, methods and materials used in different periods and regions.

·       Comparative Studies

Compare animal depictions in Indian art with those in other cultures to highlight unique features and influences. Integrate insights from anthropology, archaeology, and religious studies to provide a comprehensive understanding.

·       Field Studies

Visit museums, temples, and archaeological sites to examine artifacts and artworks firsthand. Photograph and document artworks for detailed analysis and future uses.

·       Interviews and Expert Consultations

Engage with experts to gain deeper and valuable insights and contextual information. Learn from the contemporary practitioners about traditional techniques and cultural continuity.

·       Technological Tools

Use digital imaging and analysis tools to study fine details and changes over time. Access online databases and archives for a wider range of examples and scholarly work.

Animal Depiction in Indian Art during different Art Periods

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Bhimbetka Caves (Prehistoric Period)

The Bhimbetka cave paintings, hailed as the oldest artistic expressions known in South Asia, are a remarkable collection of prehistoric artworks situated in the Bhimbetka rock shelters of the Raisen district in present-day Madhya Pradesh. This expansive site features approximately 750 rock shelters, many of which are adorned with intricate murals. These murals depict a wide array of scenes involving both animal and human figures, showcasing a vibrant palette that includes green, red, white, brown, and black hues.

These paintings provide a fascinating glimpse into an era when human societies were still in their nascent stages. People were nomadic hunter-gatherers, animals were not yet domesticated, and complex collective civilizations had not yet formed. This rock art, therefore, serves as a visual chronicle of a time when human life was intertwined with the natural world in a raw and unstructured manner.

One of the most prominent and recurring themes in Bhimbetka’s rock art is the depiction of cattle. These animals are portrayed in various poses and activities, such as standing, grazing, and being milked. These depictions not only highlight the importance of cattle in the daily lives of these ancient people but also reflect the diversity among the cattle, including both humped and humpless breeds. Furthermore, the rock art illustrates the use of various tools and equipment associated with cattle management.

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Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE)

The Indus Valley Civilization (3300 BCE - 1300 BCE, peak from 2600 BCE - 1900 BCE) was a Bronze Age civilization in northern South Asia, contemporaneous with ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia and the most extensive of the three.

Animal Remains

Animal remains at Indus sites hints that cattle were a primary food source, followed by sheep and goats.

Terracotta Figurines

Many animal figurines depict cattle, particularly humped bulls and buffaloes, often used in ceremonial contexts or as toys and amulets. Other animals like dogs, rabbits, pigs, elephants, and birds were also depicted, reflecting animal husbandry practices.

Indus Valley Stamp Seals

Seals typically show bovine figures, elephants, rhinoceroses, and sometimes fantastical creatures, often accompanied by inscriptions in the undeciphered Indus script, suggesting a role in trade and religious activities.

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Animal-Human Hybrids and Unicorn Seals

Seal-tablets sometimes depict animal-human hybrids, highlighting animals' roles in Harappan philosophy. Unicorn seals, showing a unique bull-like creature, are common and suggest ceremonial significance.

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Differences Between Indus Valley and Bhimbetka Art

• Style: Indus art is stylized and simplified; Bhimbetka art is realistic and detailed.

• Purpose: Indus art was likely for religious or ritualistic purposes; Bhimbetka art was part of everyday life and spiritual expression.

• Diversity: Indus art mainly features domesticated animals; Bhimbetka art includes a wide range of wild animals.

Maurya Empire (c. 322–185 BCE)

The Mauryan Empire was renowned for its political and cultural achievements, heavily influenced by Buddhist and Jain teachings which emphasized non-violence and compassion. Mauryan art is characterized by intricate detailing, realistic depictions, and a blend of indigenous and Hellenistic influences, reflecting the socio-political and religious contexts of the period.

Key Characteristics of Mauryan Art:

·   Pillars: The Ashoka Pillars, made of polished sandstone, feature carvings of animals, plants, and various motifs. The famous Lion Capital at Sarnath, now India’s national emblem, symbolizes strength, power, and benevolent rule.

·   Stupas: Stupas are Buddhist structures used to enshrine relics. The Great Stupa at Sanchi, with its intricate carvings, is a prime example.

Image source Britannica

The Great Stupa at Sanchi

·   Stone Sculptures: Notable for their realism and detail, such as the Yakshi figures at Sanchi and the Didarganj Yakshi.

·   Coins: The Mauryans were among the first Indian dynasties to issue coins, featuring images of animals, plants, and important cultural symbols, often inscribed with legends in Brahmi script.

The Lion Capital:

Discovered at Sarnath, the Lion Capital features a bell, an abacus with floral and animal motifs, and animal sculptures atop. The animals—bull, lion, elephant, and horse—symbolize various aspects of Ashoka’s reign, such as strength, royalty, wisdom, and efficient administration.

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The Dharma Chakra:

Representing Buddha’s teachings, the Dharma Chakra is a common motif in Buddhist art. The Sanchi Stupa and Borobudur temple feature depictions of this wheel alongside animals like lions and elephants, symbolizing nature and spiritual significance.

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Rampurva Bull:

Another notable artifact is the Rampurva Bull, a carefully sculpted figure combining Indian and Persian elements, symbolizing Buddha’s renunciation.

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Gupta Empire (c. 320–550 CE)

Art in India flourished under the patronage of rulers, reaching its zenith during the Gupta period. It played a crucial role in religion and society, encompassing rock-cut architecture, temple architecture, sculpture, dance, music, drama, and painting.

·   Ajanta Caves: The Ajanta Caves' paintings (2nd century BCE - 6th century CE) depict scenes from Buddha's life, Jataka tales, and deities, intertwined with everyday activities like hunting, dancing, and farming. These frescoes showcase animals both symbolically and aesthetically, rendered with realism and dynamic poses, often enhancing the overall art style.

Image source The Rooftop Art

·   Animal Depictions in Gupta Art: Animal depictions were significant in Gupta art, often derived from Jataka tales. These highly stylized and ornate depictions emphasized symmetry, balance, and proportion. Animals like peacocks, elephants, and lions were rendered with elaborate details and intricate patterns.

Gupta vs. Mauryan Art:

• Gupta Art: Known for its elegance and attention to detail, Gupta art primarily depicted religious themes and mythological stories, reflecting Hinduism and Buddhism's prominence. Notable examples include the murals in the Ajanta Caves and sculptures of Hindu deities.

• Mauryan Art: Focused on political and ethical messages, Mauryan art was marked by Emperor Ashoka's reign and his promotion of Buddhism. Ashoka's edicts inscribed on pillars and rocks emphasized nonviolence and moral principles. Monumental architecture and sculptures, like the Sarnath Lion Capital, exemplify Mauryan art's focus on power, authority, and ethical values.

Mughal Empire (c. 1526–1858 CE)

Mughal paintings were influenced by Persian, European, and Indian art forms. They depicted a diverse range of subjects, including historical events, court life, hunting scenes, and portraits. These paintings were known for their realistic and three-dimensional style, rich color palette, intricate details, and vivid colors.

·   Depiction of Everyday Life: Mughal paintings often illustrated courtly scenes, such as hunting parties, feasts, and royal processions, as well as portraits of emperors and courtiers. They also depicted daily encounters between humans and animals, showcasing the social and cultural interactions of the time.

·   Hunting Significance: Hunting scenes in Mughal paintings symbolized the spiritual search for the divine. These detailed depictions of hunts, involving emperors or nobles, often included wild animals like tigers and deer, with cattle occasionally appearing in the background to enhance realism.

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·   Proportions and Animals: Animals were central to Mughal paintings, with elephants and horses frequently depicted. The majestic depiction of horses, despite their size, conveyed the ruler's majesty. Some paintings also portrayed yogis alongside cattle, reflecting the spiritual and natural world's interconnectedness.

·   Krishna and Cows: Krishna's association with cattle, rooted in Vrindavan's mythology, is depicted in large painted cloths (Pichhwais) used in temples. These textiles celebrate Krishna's elevation from a herder of calves to a cowherd, symbolizing natural abundance and prosperity.

·   Ragmala Paintings: Ragmala paintings illustrated musical modes (ragas) and accompanying poetry, often featuring Hindu gods and scenes from mythology. These paintings personified ragas and raginis, incorporating animals as symbols or metaphors.

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·   Shiva and Nandi: In Pahari paintings, Nandi and Shiva were often depicted together, symbolizing devotion and the intricate beauty of Indian miniature painting.

Colonial Era (c. 1757–1947 CE)

During the British Raj, paintings in India were heavily influenced by European art styles like Realism and Impressionism. These works depicted landscapes, portraits, and daily life scenes in India from a Western perspective. Artists aimed to capture the unique aspects of Indian culture and landscapes but often did so through a romanticized lens of colonialism and Orientalism, appealing to Western audiences. Subjects included nobility, street scenes, riverbanks, temple-goers, marketplaces, villages, and natural landscapes.

·   Depiction of Current Events

Illustrations in newspapers and other publications were crucial for raising awareness about famines in colonial India. These images convey the crisis's severity to a broader audience, aiming to generate public sympathy and support for relief efforts. By depicting suffering and deprivation, the illustrations elicited emotional responses, encouraging action to help those affected.

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·       Cattle in Rural India

In colonial India, cattle were depicted in various media, including paintings, photographs, and literature, highlighting their social, cultural, and economic significance. Art often showed cattle grazing, plowing, or used for transportation and milk production, emphasizing their importance to rural life.

·       Symbol of Hinduism

Prints depicting cows became prominent with the rise of lithographic images of Hindu gods. The cow symbolized Hindu cosmology, often depicted with many gods within its body, playing a significant role in the rise of Hindu nationalism.

·       Depiction by Famous Painters of the Period

Analyzing colonial-era paintings of cattle provides insight into the cultural and social significance of cattle in India. These works reflect colonial artists' attitudes towards Indian culture and the role of cattle in society. Abanindranath Tagore's painting of a bull, "Dreaming of Kailash," showcases his storytelling imagination, depicting a homesick bull referencing Shiva's vehicle. Nandalal Bose’s one of the works show a cow with her calf and a woman milking, using vibrant earthy colors and energetic lines, exhibited in the National Gallery of Modern Art, New Delhi.

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Dreaming of Kailash by Abanindranath Tagore National Gallery Of Modern Art, New Delhi.

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“Milking of Cow” by Nandalal Bose.

Information taken from D’source